Ronaldo plays down divorce worries
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Ronaldo promises to score against Peru and make everyone happy
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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Brazilian striker Ronaldo is divorcing his wife of four years but promises the marital split will not affect his performance in Sunday's World Cup qualifier away to Peru.
"I'm not going to be shaken by these problems," said the Real Madrid star from Brazil's training camp 80 kilometers north of Rio de Janeiro.
Ronaldo's manager Rodrigo Paiva earlier confirmed that the player's marriage to 23-year-old Milene Domingues is over.
"My manager has said everything," said Ronaldo. "This doesn't affect me. You'll see on Sunday when I'll score a goal and then everyone will be happy....."
The 27-year-old twice had missed training this week because of "personal problems" according to the Brazilian federation.
Meanwhile, Brazil coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira expressed his hope that the striker who scored both goals in last year's World Cup final win over Germany would be able handle the situation.
"It's very important that Ronaldo keeps a cool head at this difficult time because he's very important to the team," said Parreira.
Brazil, who have to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite being holders, currently lead the South American group with six points from two games thanks to wins over Colombia and Equador.
After Sunday's match, Brazil, who are without stars Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho, face Uruguay at home on Wednesday in Curitiba.